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King Family #2
Cream and Punishment
She’s not just my ex-girlfriend. She’s my new coworker.
I knew Lucy Dillard was The One the first time I met her. Yes, I’m enough of a sap to believe in love at first sight. When I fell for Lucy, I fell hard. Everything was great between us—until the moment she dumped me.
Now I just want to forget about her. Instead, I’m stuck staring at her face all day. But I need this job, so I’ll find a way to be civil and professional.
There’s just one small problem: I’m nowhere close to being over her.
First, we were lovers. Then enemies. Now we’re trying to be friends.
I didn’t set out to break Tanner King’s heart, but you know what they say about the road to hell.
I’ve got too many responsibilities and no room in my life for love. I can deal with Tanner’s resentment until he starts working at the desk directly across from mine. Obviously, a truce of some kind is required. We’re both grownups. We can handle this situation like professionals.
There’s only one thing threatening this fragile peace we’ve negotiated: all these inconvenient feelings I apparently still have for him.
Cream and Punishment is book #2 in the King Family series set in the small town of Crowder, Texas, home of the King’s Creamery ice cream company. Each book is a standalone, full-length contemporary romance that follows one of the six King siblings as they find and fight for love.
I knew Lucy Dillard was The One the first time I met her. Yes, I’m enough of a sap to believe in love at first sight. When I fell for Lucy, I fell hard. Everything was great between us—until the moment she dumped me.
Now I just want to forget about her. Instead, I’m stuck staring at her face all day. But I need this job, so I’ll find a way to be civil and professional.
There’s just one small problem: I’m nowhere close to being over her.
First, we were lovers. Then enemies. Now we’re trying to be friends.
I didn’t set out to break Tanner King’s heart, but you know what they say about the road to hell.
I’ve got too many responsibilities and no room in my life for love. I can deal with Tanner’s resentment until he starts working at the desk directly across from mine. Obviously, a truce of some kind is required. We’re both grownups. We can handle this situation like professionals.
There’s only one thing threatening this fragile peace we’ve negotiated: all these inconvenient feelings I apparently still have for him.
Cream and Punishment is book #2 in the King Family series set in the small town of Crowder, Texas, home of the King’s Creamery ice cream company. Each book is a standalone, full-length contemporary romance that follows one of the six King siblings as they find and fight for love.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2022
193 people are currently reading
7453 people want to read
About the author
Susannah Nix
60 books1,864 followersSusannah Nix is a RITA® Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of rom-coms and contemporary romances who lives in Texas with her husband. On the rare occasions she's not writing, she can be found reading, knitting, lifting weights, drinking wine, or obsessively watching Ted Lasso on repeat to stave off existential angst.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
January 18, 2022
CINNAMON ROLL HERO ALERT!
It will likely be impossible for you to read 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 without falling madly in love with Tanner. This man though. He's well-read and sweet. He quotes Jane Austen and spouts poetry during dirty talk and I was HERE. FOR. IT. 🔥 He is the epitome of sweetness and goodness and hot sex. I mean....that's the dream, right?
Lucy was a much more difficult character for me to love. She experiences a LOT of personal growth during this book, and I love that, but she was also highly frustrating for me to read and therefore connect with.
The conflict in this book is mostly the JUST-TALK-TO-EACH-OTHER conflict, which I am not a fan of in general. If you don't mind that conflict then you will probably love this book!
𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 has heaps of very complex family relationships. I would actually say that is the theme of this read. In the end, I felt like the amount of time spent discussing and navigating those family relationships very much overwhelmed the love story between Tanner and Lucy. That is the reason this book only garnered 3-1/2 STARS from me. This is the second book in a series and we get so much back story (Tanner has 9 siblings) that the romance took a back seat to introducing other characters and defining relationships within the King family.
However, this book has a lot going for it. The chemistry between these two is FIRE and there are great friendships and funny moments in 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧. While I loved the first book in this series, this one fell a bit short for me, but still worth reading since this series (and author) is a great one.
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
STEAM LEVEL: R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
TRIGGERS: parent extramarital affair, emotionally abusive parent
FEELS-O-METER: 3/5 - So many feels you might tear up a little.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/3qcUVYw (affiliate)
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
It will likely be impossible for you to read 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 without falling madly in love with Tanner. This man though. He's well-read and sweet. He quotes Jane Austen and spouts poetry during dirty talk and I was HERE. FOR. IT. 🔥 He is the epitome of sweetness and goodness and hot sex. I mean....that's the dream, right?
Lucy was a much more difficult character for me to love. She experiences a LOT of personal growth during this book, and I love that, but she was also highly frustrating for me to read and therefore connect with.
The conflict in this book is mostly the JUST-TALK-TO-EACH-OTHER conflict, which I am not a fan of in general. If you don't mind that conflict then you will probably love this book!
𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 has heaps of very complex family relationships. I would actually say that is the theme of this read. In the end, I felt like the amount of time spent discussing and navigating those family relationships very much overwhelmed the love story between Tanner and Lucy. That is the reason this book only garnered 3-1/2 STARS from me. This is the second book in a series and we get so much back story (Tanner has 9 siblings) that the romance took a back seat to introducing other characters and defining relationships within the King family.
However, this book has a lot going for it. The chemistry between these two is FIRE and there are great friendships and funny moments in 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧. While I loved the first book in this series, this one fell a bit short for me, but still worth reading since this series (and author) is a great one.
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
STEAM LEVEL: R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
TRIGGERS: parent extramarital affair, emotionally abusive parent
FEELS-O-METER: 3/5 - So many feels you might tear up a little.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/3qcUVYw (affiliate)
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
January 17, 2022
✨🍦Here’s the scoop…🍦✨
This book was an ice cream sandwich, with Tanner and Lucy being two sweet cookies unrelentingly duty bound to their families, and stuffed with just horrible family situations that will have you SCREAMING bloody sprinkle for them to get the hot fudge out of this town. They rarely popsicle stick up for themselves and when they do it’s two scoops too late. Tanner did it first and has my respect, but Lucy really melts my custard. She refused to do anything for herself and expects me to feel bad for her? I’m sorry but I’m a frozen asshole apparently but all she did was piss me off. No cone-test.
Most of the characters were unlikeable for one reason or another. Mainly they were all just wishy washy. I will simply never like the “overwhelming sense of familial duty” theme when the families in question are legitimate dumpster fires and unworthy of our main characters dying on the blades of self sacrifice.
We literally start the book out with Tanner dressed in an ice cream cone mascot costume as punishment from his father. He was like I should quit but I want his money and I’m too scared to leave the sweet embrace of workplace nepotism. The book tries to make him self-aware of his special treatment but I still don’t like how Lucy couldn’t get her promotion (even if he had quit). Would it have been unfair? Sure but his salary would have been gone (with that money going to her promotion raise) and there were a lot of unfair things about the creamery. His father doing a cone-plete 180° at the end was unbe-sprinkable. I don’t buy it one bit it felt waaaay too easy.
Lucy’s brother can literally go choke on a popsicle and her mother deserves to be dipped in a vat of melted chocolate a la Scooby Doo monster mode. She deserves to be forced to truly think about all that she did, ON the page. I never got a true sense of justice for that waffle cone wench.
Tanner gets brownie points for leaving the company when he did although it should have been as soon as he was told to put on an ice cream cone cop mascot costume. He says he doesn’t deserve all the jobs and chances but he never refuses them and I don’t like that one brownie bits. Lucy took too long and her “cone” to Jesus moment wasn’t remarkable. It was the same situation that happened the entire time throughout the book, but THIS time she decided to take umbrage (it’s my word of the day).
She finally realized her mother was a selfish sundae and was like “omg who knew this entire time she was playing me like a fiddle.” Meanwhile we’re all like WE KNEW BITCH SHE WAS PLAYING TCHAIKOVSKY. WITH CANNONS. Her brother was just as clueless and selfish as his mother. He gaslit her into thinking she was in the WRONG for “not asking for help more obviously.” She should not have to have a mental breakdown for him to finally be like “oh I see you don’t like being Cinderella.”
Of course she could have been more blunt but she was pretty fuckin crystal. He’s fucking selfish for needing to “tune out” the mother while Lucy is just left out to suffer her foolishness. His coping mechanism severely fucked her over and I’m supposed to “see him in a whole new light?” Sorry honey but the lights have been turned on this entire time. “You never asked me to,” ohhhkay you little conesucker I’m gonna cone YOU instead. Matt got coned! Matt got coned! Don’t get me wrong I’m really not team Lucy but I’m also not team of the man-child brother.
Now for a new segment I like to call: Toxic Time with Hannah, where I name a scenario that’s toxic but not as bad as the other toxic shit in the book! It sounds fucking terrible of me to say and not healthy but Lucy’s whole thing is wanting to be able to move out… This man literally gives good dick and has a house RIDDLE ME THAT. Idk be his roommate with benefits for all I care, but just be selfish for ONCE. This also made her initial reason for breaking up with him just… utt-dairy-ly ridiculous. But she explained it later and I actually got on board with her reasoning and liked how she realized he messed up.
I liked their chemistry from the beginning and loved the workplace drama. However, it didn’t last very long and they banged it out around 50%. The first bang was good and hot but the rest were all closed door lickity banana split and to that I say, of course! Because I can’t have ONE nice thing. Also his dirty talk was alright except for when he used the words “bountiful” and “succulent” like she was a prize thanksgiving turkey. She apparently liked his poetic foreplay but I choked on my cake cone. I liked their frozen treat photoshoot and really craved ice cream throughout this whole book.
Overall, I wasn’t totally sure at the beginning because the writing style wasn’t totally my thing, but I really did think it was going to turn around after the sex. I liked the characters when not considering their families. I liked their tension and drama. Ultimately, I was too annoyed with their self-sacrificial, half-pint attempts at fixing their families. I never felt like there was enough yelling and making everyone else feel bad to justify the actions.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.5*/5
*This technically qualifies as three peppers because it had an explicit sex scene but seeing as it cone-blocked me for the rest of the book, I’m not feeling too generous.
✨Thank you to the author for an advanced review copy. All opinions are honest and my own.✨
_________
Initial thoughts:
I thought I could like it but I just can’t
This book was an ice cream sandwich, with Tanner and Lucy being two sweet cookies unrelentingly duty bound to their families, and stuffed with just horrible family situations that will have you SCREAMING bloody sprinkle for them to get the hot fudge out of this town. They rarely popsicle stick up for themselves and when they do it’s two scoops too late. Tanner did it first and has my respect, but Lucy really melts my custard. She refused to do anything for herself and expects me to feel bad for her? I’m sorry but I’m a frozen asshole apparently but all she did was piss me off. No cone-test.
Most of the characters were unlikeable for one reason or another. Mainly they were all just wishy washy. I will simply never like the “overwhelming sense of familial duty” theme when the families in question are legitimate dumpster fires and unworthy of our main characters dying on the blades of self sacrifice.
We literally start the book out with Tanner dressed in an ice cream cone mascot costume as punishment from his father. He was like I should quit but I want his money and I’m too scared to leave the sweet embrace of workplace nepotism. The book tries to make him self-aware of his special treatment but I still don’t like how Lucy couldn’t get her promotion (even if he had quit). Would it have been unfair? Sure but his salary would have been gone (with that money going to her promotion raise) and there were a lot of unfair things about the creamery. His father doing a cone-plete 180° at the end was unbe-sprinkable. I don’t buy it one bit it felt waaaay too easy.
Lucy’s brother can literally go choke on a popsicle and her mother deserves to be dipped in a vat of melted chocolate a la Scooby Doo monster mode. She deserves to be forced to truly think about all that she did, ON the page. I never got a true sense of justice for that waffle cone wench.
Tanner gets brownie points for leaving the company when he did although it should have been as soon as he was told to put on an ice cream cone cop mascot costume. He says he doesn’t deserve all the jobs and chances but he never refuses them and I don’t like that one brownie bits. Lucy took too long and her “cone” to Jesus moment wasn’t remarkable. It was the same situation that happened the entire time throughout the book, but THIS time she decided to take umbrage (it’s my word of the day).
She finally realized her mother was a selfish sundae and was like “omg who knew this entire time she was playing me like a fiddle.” Meanwhile we’re all like WE KNEW BITCH SHE WAS PLAYING TCHAIKOVSKY. WITH CANNONS. Her brother was just as clueless and selfish as his mother. He gaslit her into thinking she was in the WRONG for “not asking for help more obviously.” She should not have to have a mental breakdown for him to finally be like “oh I see you don’t like being Cinderella.”
Of course she could have been more blunt but she was pretty fuckin crystal. He’s fucking selfish for needing to “tune out” the mother while Lucy is just left out to suffer her foolishness. His coping mechanism severely fucked her over and I’m supposed to “see him in a whole new light?” Sorry honey but the lights have been turned on this entire time. “You never asked me to,” ohhhkay you little conesucker I’m gonna cone YOU instead. Matt got coned! Matt got coned! Don’t get me wrong I’m really not team Lucy but I’m also not team of the man-child brother.
Now for a new segment I like to call: Toxic Time with Hannah, where I name a scenario that’s toxic but not as bad as the other toxic shit in the book! It sounds fucking terrible of me to say and not healthy but Lucy’s whole thing is wanting to be able to move out… This man literally gives good dick and has a house RIDDLE ME THAT. Idk be his roommate with benefits for all I care, but just be selfish for ONCE. This also made her initial reason for breaking up with him just… utt-dairy-ly ridiculous. But she explained it later and I actually got on board with her reasoning and liked how she realized he messed up.
I liked their chemistry from the beginning and loved the workplace drama. However, it didn’t last very long and they banged it out around 50%. The first bang was good and hot but the rest were all closed door lickity banana split and to that I say, of course! Because I can’t have ONE nice thing. Also his dirty talk was alright except for when he used the words “bountiful” and “succulent” like she was a prize thanksgiving turkey. She apparently liked his poetic foreplay but I choked on my cake cone. I liked their frozen treat photoshoot and really craved ice cream throughout this whole book.
Overall, I wasn’t totally sure at the beginning because the writing style wasn’t totally my thing, but I really did think it was going to turn around after the sex. I liked the characters when not considering their families. I liked their tension and drama. Ultimately, I was too annoyed with their self-sacrificial, half-pint attempts at fixing their families. I never felt like there was enough yelling and making everyone else feel bad to justify the actions.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.5*/5
*This technically qualifies as three peppers because it had an explicit sex scene but seeing as it cone-blocked me for the rest of the book, I’m not feeling too generous.
✨Thank you to the author for an advanced review copy. All opinions are honest and my own.✨
_________
Initial thoughts:
I thought I could like it but I just can’t
Read
January 22, 2022NOW LIVE!
Cream and Punishment has arrived! Book #2 in the King Family series is available for your reading and/or listening pleasure in ebook, audiobook, and paperback. People are falling madly in love with Jane Austen-quoting cinnamon roll hero Tanner King!
💜 Second chance romance
💜 Coworker exes
💜 A perfectly matched pair of sexy bookish nerds
Read it in ebook ➤➤➤
AMAZON: https://geni.us/amznCAP
APPLE: https://geni.us/appleCAP
NOOK: https://geni.us/nookCAP
KOBO: https://geni.us/koboCAP
GOOGLE: https://geni.us/googleCAP
Listen in audiobook ➤➤➤
AUDIBLE US: https://adbl.co/3ew6fse
AUDIBLE UK: https://adbl.co/3Hk0iuv
AMAZON: https://geni.us/audioCAPamzn
APPLE: https://geni.us/audioCAPapple
Cream and Punishment has arrived! Book #2 in the King Family series is available for your reading and/or listening pleasure in ebook, audiobook, and paperback. People are falling madly in love with Jane Austen-quoting cinnamon roll hero Tanner King!
💜 Second chance romance
💜 Coworker exes
💜 A perfectly matched pair of sexy bookish nerds
Read it in ebook ➤➤➤
AMAZON: https://geni.us/amznCAP
APPLE: https://geni.us/appleCAP
NOOK: https://geni.us/nookCAP
KOBO: https://geni.us/koboCAP
GOOGLE: https://geni.us/googleCAP
Listen in audiobook ➤➤➤
AUDIBLE US: https://adbl.co/3ew6fse
AUDIBLE UK: https://adbl.co/3Hk0iuv
AMAZON: https://geni.us/audioCAPamzn
APPLE: https://geni.us/audioCAPapple
December 28, 2021
This is my favourite Susannah Nix book to date. It was fun, witty and had a depth I craved. This is the second book in the series but I haven’t read the first. This can easily be read as a standalone.
Tanner is struggling to find his place within the family. He also thought he’d found the perfect woman until she ran. When he’s assigned a new job within the Ice cream chain he finds himself unable to avoid his ex.
Can Tanner figure out what went wrong and will he finally find his place.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tanner is struggling to find his place within the family. He also thought he’d found the perfect woman until she ran. When he’s assigned a new job within the Ice cream chain he finds himself unable to avoid his ex.
Can Tanner figure out what went wrong and will he finally find his place.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
Cream and Punishment is super duper cute. I enjoyed everything about this book. Tanner is my new book boyfriend. He is so sweet and kind and adorable.
Miss Nix, thank you for Tanner. Thank you for a slow burn, second chance romance that very entertaining to read.
4 stars
Miss Nix, thank you for Tanner. Thank you for a slow burn, second chance romance that very entertaining to read.
4 stars
January 18, 2022
4.5 stars
“ Find and fight for love “ is indeed what happens in Cream and Punishment. I love this new series and while I really enjoyed the first book, this one checks more boxes for my preferences and I really loved it. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance anyway so maybe that’s why I can’t be so biased 🙈.
Both Tanner and Lucy try to find their place in life and in their job so when they are forced to work together, a truce must be made for them to keep their jobs.
I’m so looking forward to read the next books in the series because some of the King brothers sound really interesting and can’t wait to see their own love story evolve.
Very grateful to the author for my review copy.
“ Find and fight for love “ is indeed what happens in Cream and Punishment. I love this new series and while I really enjoyed the first book, this one checks more boxes for my preferences and I really loved it. I’m a sucker for a second chance romance anyway so maybe that’s why I can’t be so biased 🙈.
Both Tanner and Lucy try to find their place in life and in their job so when they are forced to work together, a truce must be made for them to keep their jobs.
I’m so looking forward to read the next books in the series because some of the King brothers sound really interesting and can’t wait to see their own love story evolve.
Very grateful to the author for my review copy.
December 27, 2021
I am kind of hooked on this world of Crowder, Texas and the King family. Cream and Punishment is the story of Lucy and Tanner's second chance at love. They both have deeply seated family issues that keep them a little stuck, but watching them learn and grow together was so rewarding. The glimpses of characters from Nix's other series are so fun and the family dynamic between the King siblings is one of the best parts of these books. It is a steamy, fun, and heartwarming story that just makes me ready for whatever comes next.
August 12, 2022
DNF @ 21%
I don't think this series, or this author is for me. There's zero improvement from the first book, the characters are still unlikeable, the plot still boring and I can't even bring myself to skim the rest of it. I'm done.
I don't think this series, or this author is for me. There's zero improvement from the first book, the characters are still unlikeable, the plot still boring and I can't even bring myself to skim the rest of it. I'm done.
August 22, 2025
This was my favorite Crowder book so far. I half fell in love with Tanner in Wyatt’s book, and he did not disappoint.
A few months ago, Lucy walked out on Tanner after he told her he loved her (pretty mean, if you ask me). Unfortunately, Tanner never moved on (as it turns out, neither did Lucy, huh!), and now they have to work together. 🤭
I was hoping Lucy would grovel, but as it turned out, her reasons were so heartbreaking that I wasn’t even holding her behavior against her. To those of you who say that she should have left her manipulative mother earlier, let me tell you how lucky you are if you don’t know what it means to be gaslighted by a parent.
Tanner was absolutely perfect. 😌 I adore smart, quiet, bookish types, especially those who love fiercely. You know what he said to Lucy? He said this:
“My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.”
To which I sighed happily and hugged my kindle.
There was a bit of drama toward the end, but no breakup, which I’m very grateful for.
Highly recommended!
A few months ago, Lucy walked out on Tanner after he told her he loved her (pretty mean, if you ask me). Unfortunately, Tanner never moved on (as it turns out, neither did Lucy, huh!), and now they have to work together. 🤭
I was hoping Lucy would grovel, but as it turned out, her reasons were so heartbreaking that I wasn’t even holding her behavior against her. To those of you who say that she should have left her manipulative mother earlier, let me tell you how lucky you are if you don’t know what it means to be gaslighted by a parent.
Tanner was absolutely perfect. 😌 I adore smart, quiet, bookish types, especially those who love fiercely. You know what he said to Lucy? He said this:
“My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.”
To which I sighed happily and hugged my kindle.
There was a bit of drama toward the end, but no breakup, which I’m very grateful for.
Highly recommended!
February 3, 2022
Bookish, introvert, and willing to help clean up a menstrual mishap, Tanner is such a softhearted hero to love. Ready for commitment, Tanner was not prepared to be dumped after saying "I love you" to his girlfriend Lucy. Now forced to work side by side in marketing for the creamery, it's a fun mashup of a second chance, forced proximity, and workplace romance.
Still secretly harbouring feelings for Tanner, I really loved seeing Lucy grow into accepting happiness for herself. Constantly feeling obligated to help others, especially her manipulative mother, it was a challenging but wonderful journey for Lucy to overcome.
And of course, the King family has its own juicy chaos to unfold. It's certainly a lot of characters to keep track of, but I absolutely love the mix of family drama within this series. I can't wait for more!
Still secretly harbouring feelings for Tanner, I really loved seeing Lucy grow into accepting happiness for herself. Constantly feeling obligated to help others, especially her manipulative mother, it was a challenging but wonderful journey for Lucy to overcome.
And of course, the King family has its own juicy chaos to unfold. It's certainly a lot of characters to keep track of, but I absolutely love the mix of family drama within this series. I can't wait for more!
November 3, 2023
Cream and Punishment is my first book by Susannah Nix. I loved the play on the book title, second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes, the cover was impossible to resist and the author came highly recommended.
The story is about Lucy Dillard and Tanner King who not only fell in love instantly with Lucy, he told her causing them to break up after only a few weeks of dating because she only wanted a casual relationship. Honest misunderstanding, right?
There’s only one problem, they work together, and when is transferred to her department they’re forced to work out through their breakup. As they spend time together, Lucy begins to realize Tanner is kind, loyal and totally worth falling for.
I have not read MY CONE AND ONLY, the previous book in the series and therefore was a bit lost with all the complex family drama (abusive parents) and relationships (Tanner has a basketball team worth of siblings!), which felt overwhelming and overshadowed the main romance between Tanner and Lucy.
Setting that aside, Tanner was sweet and sexy, and I loved his ability to quote Jane Austen. He’s pretty much swoon worthy. And there’s great tension and chemistry between the two.
I’d very much like to go back and read the first book and then continue with the series.
Cream and Punishment is book #2 of the King Family series by Susannah Nix. It is a standalone romance told from both points of view, with a happy ending. Tropes: second chance | forced proximity | small town
Rating: 3.5
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
The story is about Lucy Dillard and Tanner King who not only fell in love instantly with Lucy, he told her causing them to break up after only a few weeks of dating because she only wanted a casual relationship. Honest misunderstanding, right?
There’s only one problem, they work together, and when is transferred to her department they’re forced to work out through their breakup. As they spend time together, Lucy begins to realize Tanner is kind, loyal and totally worth falling for.
I have not read MY CONE AND ONLY, the previous book in the series and therefore was a bit lost with all the complex family drama (abusive parents) and relationships (Tanner has a basketball team worth of siblings!), which felt overwhelming and overshadowed the main romance between Tanner and Lucy.
Setting that aside, Tanner was sweet and sexy, and I loved his ability to quote Jane Austen. He’s pretty much swoon worthy. And there’s great tension and chemistry between the two.
I’d very much like to go back and read the first book and then continue with the series.
Cream and Punishment is book #2 of the King Family series by Susannah Nix. It is a standalone romance told from both points of view, with a happy ending. Tropes: second chance | forced proximity | small town
Rating: 3.5
★ I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
January 18, 2022
I LOVE the King family - this series is pure delight and I especially enjoyed Tanner and Lucy's second chance at love story! This book had me laughing and crying as the characters work through their vulnerabilities in the most relatable and caring of ways.
Perfect for anyone who loves:
-bookish characters with the most amazing Pride & Prejudice references!
-swoony leads who aren't afraid to help their partners with the messier parts of life
-workplace romances
-slow burn, second chance romances
-lots of family baggage and supportive siblings
-steamy open door scenes
Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for my advance review copy. I devoured this in one day and can't wait for the next story featuring Ryan!
Favorite quote:
"Because I'm pretty sure you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, only apparently I was too broken to realize it until I'd lost you."
⚠️CW: emotionally toxic/abusive parents
Perfect for anyone who loves:
-bookish characters with the most amazing Pride & Prejudice references!
-swoony leads who aren't afraid to help their partners with the messier parts of life
-workplace romances
-slow burn, second chance romances
-lots of family baggage and supportive siblings
-steamy open door scenes
Much thanks to NetGalley and the author for my advance review copy. I devoured this in one day and can't wait for the next story featuring Ryan!
Favorite quote:
"Because I'm pretty sure you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, only apparently I was too broken to realize it until I'd lost you."
⚠️CW: emotionally toxic/abusive parents
January 17, 2025
I actually haven’t read this but I’m giving it one stars for the title alone bc Dostoevsky did not die for this LOL
January 19, 2022
This was such a cute and thoughtful read, though it was layered with some deep, potentially trigger-inducing issues. Lucy and Tanner were absolutely adorable together. Lucy’s family and Tanner’s father, however, were absolutely frustrating- I was just about ready to throw my Kindle! The ending was heartwarming and sweetly satisfying. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
Many thanks to Susannah Nix for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I write this honest review voluntarily.
Many thanks to Susannah Nix for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I write this honest review voluntarily.
January 2, 2022
The only thing cuter than that punny title is the sweet, cinnamon roll of a hero in this light and sexy second chance romance. I loved him! I'm new to this series, but I had no trouble jumping right in and getting caught up on the family drama, which has me itching to read more of these ice cream-themed rom coms. This was a lot of fun, but the hero definitely stole the show; it's the rare case of a kind and loyal hero who falls well before his girl. While I'm not typically a fan of second chance romances, this one worked for me - they only dated for a short time, our heroine ran scared when those three little words were uttered, and neither one has moved on. I loved the office dynamic, and - while this was probably longer than it needed to be and slow-moving at times - I was rooting for this couple to find their way back together.
The story follows Tanner and Lucy, exes who broke up about six months ago. They only dated for about five weeks, but they both knew things were great between them... until Tanner said "I love you." Turns out, he thought they were falling in love while Lucy thought they were keeping it casual, and that sealed their fate. Unfortunately, they run in the same friend group and work for the same company, so awkward encounters with the ex are inevitable. When Tanner is transferred to Lucy's department, they're forced to work together and get past their cringeworthy breakup. The only problem? Now that Lucy's spending all of this time with Tanner, she has no idea why she let him get away in the first place.
I loved that this wasn't a heavy or angsty second chance romance; they didn't break up because they weren't right for each other, they just weren't looking for the same things. It doesn't take long for Lucy to realize that she let a really great guy get away, and I loved that Tanner stayed consistently swoonworthy throughout. There's something so refreshing about a genuinely good guy who is all in for his girl, and that was definitely the best part of the book. I also really enjoyed the family dynamics on Tanner's side (Lucy's family was frustrating), which have me ready to read more from the series. The only real drawback for me was that it was longer than the typical rom com and some of it got a little boring, especially Lucy's hesitation to move forward. But I liked a lot of this, and I'd certainly be interested in reading future books in the series. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this second chance romance.
The story follows Tanner and Lucy, exes who broke up about six months ago. They only dated for about five weeks, but they both knew things were great between them... until Tanner said "I love you." Turns out, he thought they were falling in love while Lucy thought they were keeping it casual, and that sealed their fate. Unfortunately, they run in the same friend group and work for the same company, so awkward encounters with the ex are inevitable. When Tanner is transferred to Lucy's department, they're forced to work together and get past their cringeworthy breakup. The only problem? Now that Lucy's spending all of this time with Tanner, she has no idea why she let him get away in the first place.
I loved that this wasn't a heavy or angsty second chance romance; they didn't break up because they weren't right for each other, they just weren't looking for the same things. It doesn't take long for Lucy to realize that she let a really great guy get away, and I loved that Tanner stayed consistently swoonworthy throughout. There's something so refreshing about a genuinely good guy who is all in for his girl, and that was definitely the best part of the book. I also really enjoyed the family dynamics on Tanner's side (Lucy's family was frustrating), which have me ready to read more from the series. The only real drawback for me was that it was longer than the typical rom com and some of it got a little boring, especially Lucy's hesitation to move forward. But I liked a lot of this, and I'd certainly be interested in reading future books in the series. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this second chance romance.
January 6, 2022
Cream and Punishment: ★ ★ ★ ★
Susannah Nix (King Family #2)
"I'm pretty sure you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, only apparently I was too broken to realize it until I'd lost you."
When Tanner King ends up working right across his ex Lucy Dillard, it's a little more than awkward and filled with tension–understandable, seeing as six months ago, Lucy couldn't have bolted out the door faster when Tanner confessed his love for her.
Admittedly, I was a little hesitant at the premise of this book because while I do love second chance romance, I have never read one where one partner actively broke up with the other one. I kind of went into this wanting to resent Lucy for dumping Tanner because he is so sweet and I absolutely love the hero-falls-first trope.
Like girl, you gave up what all of us peasants are actively looking for? Ma'am?!?!?! Even when he was supposed to hate her, he was thinking things like it was the cruelest part about all of this–I couldn't even properly dislike Lucy because we were so – perfect for each other oh and also I was still just as in love with her as ever AND HE QUOTED PRIDE & PREJUDICE. MISTER DARCY. I WILL NEVER GET OVER THIS FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE.
But as I kept reading, I genuinely appreciated the connection between the two of them as well as the tension and the banter. There was a lot of pining, of course, which we do love to see and I absolutely loved that this was dual POV, because we got to see both sides of the story and really get into their heads. There's also family drama (I really did not like Lucy's mom because I could relate to the partiality toward men unfortunately I deal with it all the time) that also adds more substance to the story.
Not to mention, this cover has to be one of the cutest ones I have seen in such a long time! I absolutely loved it and it was what grabbed my attention immediately so huge kudos to the author and the designer for pulling this together.
This story was sweet as ice cream and while this was my first Susannah Nix read, it will not be the last!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Susannah Nix (King Family #2)
"I'm pretty sure you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, only apparently I was too broken to realize it until I'd lost you."
When Tanner King ends up working right across his ex Lucy Dillard, it's a little more than awkward and filled with tension–understandable, seeing as six months ago, Lucy couldn't have bolted out the door faster when Tanner confessed his love for her.
Admittedly, I was a little hesitant at the premise of this book because while I do love second chance romance, I have never read one where one partner actively broke up with the other one. I kind of went into this wanting to resent Lucy for dumping Tanner because he is so sweet and I absolutely love the hero-falls-first trope.
Like girl, you gave up what all of us peasants are actively looking for? Ma'am?!?!?! Even when he was supposed to hate her, he was thinking things like it was the cruelest part about all of this–I couldn't even properly dislike Lucy because we were so – perfect for each other oh and also I was still just as in love with her as ever AND HE QUOTED PRIDE & PREJUDICE. MISTER DARCY. I WILL NEVER GET OVER THIS FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE.
But as I kept reading, I genuinely appreciated the connection between the two of them as well as the tension and the banter. There was a lot of pining, of course, which we do love to see and I absolutely loved that this was dual POV, because we got to see both sides of the story and really get into their heads. There's also family drama (I really did not like Lucy's mom because I could relate to the partiality toward men unfortunately I deal with it all the time) that also adds more substance to the story.
Not to mention, this cover has to be one of the cutest ones I have seen in such a long time! I absolutely loved it and it was what grabbed my attention immediately so huge kudos to the author and the designer for pulling this together.
This story was sweet as ice cream and while this was my first Susannah Nix read, it will not be the last!
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2022
Lucy and Tanner are cuteish but what I liked the most are family dynamic and Ryan a six foot five EMT was most interesting one I'm glad his book is next.
January 18, 2022
"But I knew with unshakable certainty that Lucy was my soul mate. Against all odds, I’d found the person who completed me and made me whole."
Tropes: second chance romance, office romance, forced proximity, cinnamon roll hero, small town, big family. Can be read as a standalone.
This book must be the sweetest, swoon-worthy thing I've read this month! I haven't read the first book yet, but I already have it ready on my Kindle to get into this family 🥰
I love everything related to second chance romances and this was no exception; Tanner must literally be one of the sweetest, most understanding heroes, totally boyfriend material, and that kind of freaked Lucy out the first time, sending her running through the hills when he told her "𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢". But now they are forced to work together, and spending so much time together again is making them realize that those feelings are still there, and maybe now is the right time to try again, this time for real.
At first I couldn't understand why Lucy had broken up with Tanner when he was the epitome of the perfect man, and yes, maybe he dropped the L-word too quickly but giiiirrrrl! he knew from the first moment that Lucy was the right person for him, the one he had been looking for all this time!! and that's the beauty of dual POvs; at first we see a heartbroken and still confused Tanner, but then we get into Lucy's mind and learn everything she was going through, her not so ideal family situation to commit to someone else in her life, and suddenly it all starts to make sense. And I just ended up rooting for them, waiting for the time when they would talk it all out and allow themselves to be happy.
Now I'm ready to read the first book in this series, but I also can't wait for the next one because that ending... that call... ugh, I need to know what happened to THAT "brother" now.
April 18, 2022
⭐️4 🌶3
Second Chance | Workplace Romance | Exes to Lovers | Cinnamon Roll Hero | Small Town | Forced-Proximity (Co-Worker) | New Adult | RomCom
Being your coworker’s ex was complicated enough. Being friends with your coworker-slash-ex? Was confusing as heck.
I really enjoyed this book by Susannah Nix! After seeing a review on BookTok, I knew I wanted to read this book. Second chance romances have become a new favorite of mine, and I definitely have a soft spot for women in marketing since that is my profession as well. Nix hits on some difficult subjects in this book such as parental manipulation/emotional abuse but covers them well!
I started with book 2 in the king family series, so I believe it can definitely be read as a standalone. However, I plan to go back and read My Cone and Only (King Family, #1)!
Book 1: My Cone and Only (Wyatt & Andie)
Book 3: Pint of Contention (Ryan)
Second Chance | Workplace Romance | Exes to Lovers | Cinnamon Roll Hero | Small Town | Forced-Proximity (Co-Worker) | New Adult | RomCom
Being your coworker’s ex was complicated enough. Being friends with your coworker-slash-ex? Was confusing as heck.
I really enjoyed this book by Susannah Nix! After seeing a review on BookTok, I knew I wanted to read this book. Second chance romances have become a new favorite of mine, and I definitely have a soft spot for women in marketing since that is my profession as well. Nix hits on some difficult subjects in this book such as parental manipulation/emotional abuse but covers them well!
I started with book 2 in the king family series, so I believe it can definitely be read as a standalone. However, I plan to go back and read My Cone and Only (King Family, #1)!
Book 1: My Cone and Only (Wyatt & Andie)
Book 3: Pint of Contention (Ryan)
January 5, 2022
4.5 Stars
This was such a fun read! I loved Andie and Wyatt's story, so reading more about the King brothers was such a treat!
Lucy and Tanner's story was adorable and while it did take me a little to really get into this book, I absolutely adored it in the end!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This was such a fun read! I loved Andie and Wyatt's story, so reading more about the King brothers was such a treat!
Lucy and Tanner's story was adorable and while it did take me a little to really get into this book, I absolutely adored it in the end!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
February 26, 2022
5/5 stars:
This book was the definition of comfort read.it gave me all sorts of comfy and fuzzy feelings. Every single character was incredible, although I show a small preference for tanner and Lucy obvs.
Their relationship was fantastic and I loved how it was planned out, it didn’t feel staged nor forced. The relationship and the problems the characters were facing with their families were realistic and this is probably the reason I loved this book so much. Because every single issue was realistic and I could relate to the characters especially Lucy.
I cannot even find the words to describe this book. The spice was amazing and everything was just adorable and incredible.
This book was the definition of comfort read.it gave me all sorts of comfy and fuzzy feelings. Every single character was incredible, although I show a small preference for tanner and Lucy obvs.
Their relationship was fantastic and I loved how it was planned out, it didn’t feel staged nor forced. The relationship and the problems the characters were facing with their families were realistic and this is probably the reason I loved this book so much. Because every single issue was realistic and I could relate to the characters especially Lucy.
I cannot even find the words to describe this book. The spice was amazing and everything was just adorable and incredible.
February 3, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
When Tanner gets demoted from his family's business, his sister takes pity on him and gives him a new position working in marketing. What he doesn't expect is that his new co-worker will be his ex-girlfriend. As in THE ex girlfriend that he loved (still loves) and she...didn't love him back. So now he has to find a way to work with Lucy every single day despite still being desperately in love with her.
I just LOVE second chance romances!! Easily one of my favourite tropes and this definitely lived up to my second chance redemption dreams.
Tanner is such a little cinnamon roll and he is SO SO in love with Lucy. I admit that right off the bat, I was a little nervous that Lucy was not going to be likeable BUT she had a lot of character development. I loved loved loved all the pining we got from the two of them, I was SO pleasantly surprised by the spice!!!! Really well written spice if I do say so myself. I thought their relationship was really sweet and romantic as well. I really loved the two of them together.
Individually, I also thought they were wonderful characters! Once we got the details of Lucy's life, I think everything made a lot of sense and the pieces started to fall into place. As for Tanner, I was so happy to see him figure things out for HIMSELF. He had a lot of character development as well that I think was super necessary.
I love all the other characters and getting to know about their families and connections (I love small town stories because EVERYONE knows EVERYONE), so so fun. I'm excited to read the other stories in this series.
I did find the beginning a little bit slow and hard to get into. This is part of the King Family series and in hindsight, I think reading the first would have made the beginning of this a lot easier and quicker to get through.
Overall, I really enjoyed this!! I can't wait to hear more from the King Family!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Haver Street Press for an e-ARC of Cream and Punishment! This in no way influences my review. All opinions are my own and voluntary.
When Tanner gets demoted from his family's business, his sister takes pity on him and gives him a new position working in marketing. What he doesn't expect is that his new co-worker will be his ex-girlfriend. As in THE ex girlfriend that he loved (still loves) and she...didn't love him back. So now he has to find a way to work with Lucy every single day despite still being desperately in love with her.
I just LOVE second chance romances!! Easily one of my favourite tropes and this definitely lived up to my second chance redemption dreams.
Tanner is such a little cinnamon roll and he is SO SO in love with Lucy. I admit that right off the bat, I was a little nervous that Lucy was not going to be likeable BUT she had a lot of character development. I loved loved loved all the pining we got from the two of them, I was SO pleasantly surprised by the spice!!!! Really well written spice if I do say so myself. I thought their relationship was really sweet and romantic as well. I really loved the two of them together.
Individually, I also thought they were wonderful characters! Once we got the details of Lucy's life, I think everything made a lot of sense and the pieces started to fall into place. As for Tanner, I was so happy to see him figure things out for HIMSELF. He had a lot of character development as well that I think was super necessary.
I love all the other characters and getting to know about their families and connections (I love small town stories because EVERYONE knows EVERYONE), so so fun. I'm excited to read the other stories in this series.
I did find the beginning a little bit slow and hard to get into. This is part of the King Family series and in hindsight, I think reading the first would have made the beginning of this a lot easier and quicker to get through.
Overall, I really enjoyed this!! I can't wait to hear more from the King Family!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Haver Street Press for an e-ARC of Cream and Punishment! This in no way influences my review. All opinions are my own and voluntary.
Read
January 22, 2022I’m not rating this because this is a DNF for me. I got to 12% and once the heroine’s family dynamic came to play, I knew I wasn’t in the mood for family drama. Honestly, I hate family drama in romance novels. The heroines mom and brother take advantage of her and she pays all the bills, cleans and is an overall pushover.
Um why? I really don’t like when a hero or heroine’s family treats them like crap and they just sit there and take it. That’s my pet peeve so I’m sorry but I’m not to sit through a book where both of the H and H have tons of family drama. I prefer romance novels with just the main couple and sure there’s secondary characters, but not to the extent of making me angry on the heroine’s behalf.
If your parents treat you this way just leave! What’s so hard about that? Lucy doesn’t have to do everything for her family. No one is holding a gun to her head. My mom was a user too and I cut her off so I just can’t respect someone who doesn’t cut their family off when they treat them badly. Pet peeve! Stand up for yourself Lucy!
Anyway I’m kind of angry now and hopefully I find something that puts me in a better mood.
Um why? I really don’t like when a hero or heroine’s family treats them like crap and they just sit there and take it. That’s my pet peeve so I’m sorry but I’m not to sit through a book where both of the H and H have tons of family drama. I prefer romance novels with just the main couple and sure there’s secondary characters, but not to the extent of making me angry on the heroine’s behalf.
If your parents treat you this way just leave! What’s so hard about that? Lucy doesn’t have to do everything for her family. No one is holding a gun to her head. My mom was a user too and I cut her off so I just can’t respect someone who doesn’t cut their family off when they treat them badly. Pet peeve! Stand up for yourself Lucy!
Anyway I’m kind of angry now and hopefully I find something that puts me in a better mood.
February 1, 2022
huge thanks to netgalley and susannah nix for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
~
a.) enemies-to-friends (and coworker LOL)
b.) friends-to-lovers
c.) workplace romance
d.) second chance romance
e.) family relationship
do i need to say more? i am a sucker for these tropes and the awkwardness and tension between the two were just really funny to me. it's nice to have lucy and tanner's POVs because they made the story more fun and enjoyable to read.
~
this book also highlighted some things about wanting and being in a relationship. sometimes, it's better to say "no" because you're not ready to commit than having the other person hope for nothing. i also love the character development and the personality of lucy and tanner. they're just really adorable together. oh.. by the way, there were spicy scenes!! my goodness!! the chemistry and the tension between the two were soooo HOT.
~
i definitely enjoyed reading this! i highly recommend this if you're looking for a fun read!
~
a.) enemies-to-friends (and coworker LOL)
b.) friends-to-lovers
c.) workplace romance
d.) second chance romance
e.) family relationship
do i need to say more? i am a sucker for these tropes and the awkwardness and tension between the two were just really funny to me. it's nice to have lucy and tanner's POVs because they made the story more fun and enjoyable to read.
~
this book also highlighted some things about wanting and being in a relationship. sometimes, it's better to say "no" because you're not ready to commit than having the other person hope for nothing. i also love the character development and the personality of lucy and tanner. they're just really adorable together. oh.. by the way, there were spicy scenes!! my goodness!! the chemistry and the tension between the two were soooo HOT.
~
i definitely enjoyed reading this! i highly recommend this if you're looking for a fun read!
January 25, 2022
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy
A rom-com about a second chance romance between two workers at an ice cream company? Sign me up. Cream and Punishment is a delightful new romcom in a series of interconnected standalone stories about the King family siblings.
Tanner is a total cinnamon roll love interest - he was a little overzealous at times, but his heart was in the right place. What I really enjoyed about him was that when Lucy was uncomfortable in their new coworking situation, he didn't push her boundaries. He was super respectful and helpful - a lovely romance hero.
Lucy and Tanner were a great couple - they had been together beforethe book started, but had broken up. When they were suddenly forced to work together, things get awkward. Tanner isn't over Lucy - but doesn't want to make things more awkward for her at work. As they work closer together, their sparks started flying again and it became clear that maybe Lucy wasn't quite as over Tanner as she'd like to be. They were a super cute couple who were easy to root for. I loved their quiet, cute moments.
If you're an ice cream lover or a fan of second chance romances, you should pick up a copy of Cream and Punishment. Between the cinnamon roll hero, the complex family dynamics, and the forced proximity, this is a sugary sweet romance that is perfectly paired with a few scoops of ice cream. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
A rom-com about a second chance romance between two workers at an ice cream company? Sign me up. Cream and Punishment is a delightful new romcom in a series of interconnected standalone stories about the King family siblings.
Tanner is a total cinnamon roll love interest - he was a little overzealous at times, but his heart was in the right place. What I really enjoyed about him was that when Lucy was uncomfortable in their new coworking situation, he didn't push her boundaries. He was super respectful and helpful - a lovely romance hero.
Lucy and Tanner were a great couple - they had been together beforethe book started, but had broken up. When they were suddenly forced to work together, things get awkward. Tanner isn't over Lucy - but doesn't want to make things more awkward for her at work. As they work closer together, their sparks started flying again and it became clear that maybe Lucy wasn't quite as over Tanner as she'd like to be. They were a super cute couple who were easy to root for. I loved their quiet, cute moments.
If you're an ice cream lover or a fan of second chance romances, you should pick up a copy of Cream and Punishment. Between the cinnamon roll hero, the complex family dynamics, and the forced proximity, this is a sugary sweet romance that is perfectly paired with a few scoops of ice cream. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 9, 2023
This is book 2 in Susannah Nix’s King Family series. While this is Tanner & Lucy’s complete story, there are a few events and some family information that makes this best enjoyed after book 1, My Cone & Only. As such this review may contain spoilers to that book.
I enjoyed Tanner and Lucy’s second chance romance. They’d only split 6 months ago - but when work brings them together again, they both realize they had vastly more to learn about each other. Much of it is how much they actually have in common dealing with manipulative parents and struggles with forging their own futures.
The King family patriarch strikes again (I won’t ruin the shocking revelation) and the only good thing I can say about the man is that it definitely brings his kids closer together.
I was again tickled at all the Texas references (HEB and any business being named “Post Oak”) giving me warm fuzzies.
While it was a little painful, fortunately Nix didn’t torture them too long, Lucy & Tanner both learn to stand up for themselves and find their HEA. Lots of updates on the family, including Wyatt & Andie, as well as more page time for Ryan, Josie, and Nate. Speaking of Ryan! Nix teases his book in the epilogue and I’m beyond excited for his story, Pint of Contention.
Narration:
I’m thrilled Amanda Stribling and Chris Brinkley are at the helm again. They’re a perfect match for Nix’s writing and complement each other well. So easy to get lost in these characters.
I received a copy of the audiobook from Home Cooked Books and am leaving an honest review.
I enjoyed Tanner and Lucy’s second chance romance. They’d only split 6 months ago - but when work brings them together again, they both realize they had vastly more to learn about each other. Much of it is how much they actually have in common dealing with manipulative parents and struggles with forging their own futures.
The King family patriarch strikes again (I won’t ruin the shocking revelation) and the only good thing I can say about the man is that it definitely brings his kids closer together.
I was again tickled at all the Texas references (HEB and any business being named “Post Oak”) giving me warm fuzzies.
While it was a little painful, fortunately Nix didn’t torture them too long, Lucy & Tanner both learn to stand up for themselves and find their HEA. Lots of updates on the family, including Wyatt & Andie, as well as more page time for Ryan, Josie, and Nate. Speaking of Ryan! Nix teases his book in the epilogue and I’m beyond excited for his story, Pint of Contention.
Narration:
I’m thrilled Amanda Stribling and Chris Brinkley are at the helm again. They’re a perfect match for Nix’s writing and complement each other well. So easy to get lost in these characters.
I received a copy of the audiobook from Home Cooked Books and am leaving an honest review.
January 3, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series and getting to know each King son!
I felt like this book was a bit heavier than the first for the fact that it dealt with heavier and more concerning topics. I don't know if it's just be but toxic parents are on the heavier topic side. That being said, the characters go through a lot in this book and you witness these relationships and see and understand what the character is going through.
On the lighter side of things, I love that he fell in love first and that it ultimately became a second chance novel that was very sweet and passionate despite the toxicity in both the characters lives. Their love shined through!🌤
Check TWs, friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Haver Street Press for the earc in return for an honest review.
I felt like this book was a bit heavier than the first for the fact that it dealt with heavier and more concerning topics. I don't know if it's just be but toxic parents are on the heavier topic side. That being said, the characters go through a lot in this book and you witness these relationships and see and understand what the character is going through.
On the lighter side of things, I love that he fell in love first and that it ultimately became a second chance novel that was very sweet and passionate despite the toxicity in both the characters lives. Their love shined through!🌤
Check TWs, friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Haver Street Press for the earc in return for an honest review.
January 24, 2022
This was my first read by Susannah and it will NOT be my last. When I came across the cover and blurb, I KNEW I had to read this book. I was so hooked from the start. This is a second chance that will have you up until the AM, swooning and loving everything about these characters.
Cream and Punishment was about Lucy and Tanner, two people that wants two completely different things. Tanner was GOALS, he fell hard and fast for Lucy, but she wasn't looking for a serious relationship. When they're stuck working together, Lucy starts seeing that not everything is how she thought. Tanner was everything, he was sweet, loyal, and just perfect. I loved these two so much. Seeing Lucy open her eyes and fall for Tanner had me smiling so hard.
This book is A MUST READ!!!
Cream and Punishment was about Lucy and Tanner, two people that wants two completely different things. Tanner was GOALS, he fell hard and fast for Lucy, but she wasn't looking for a serious relationship. When they're stuck working together, Lucy starts seeing that not everything is how she thought. Tanner was everything, he was sweet, loyal, and just perfect. I loved these two so much. Seeing Lucy open her eyes and fall for Tanner had me smiling so hard.
This book is A MUST READ!!!
December 26, 2021
This is the second book in the King family's series. I haven't read the first one, but I want to do so as soon as possible!
Lucy and Tanner dated for several weeks before she called it quits. As a result, it was unavoidable to experience heartbreak. They're now required to work together. Isn't that simple? Working with your ex is so easy… said no one ever.
After some awkwardness and glaring, they agreed to be friends again. Which is fine until they realize their feelings for each other haven't disappeared completely.
They encounter many challenges together, from toxic parents to family problems, but they always rely on one another and do their best to communicate what they feel.
Let's take a moment to admire this cover. I’m obsessed with it.
*thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
Lucy and Tanner dated for several weeks before she called it quits. As a result, it was unavoidable to experience heartbreak. They're now required to work together. Isn't that simple? Working with your ex is so easy… said no one ever.
After some awkwardness and glaring, they agreed to be friends again. Which is fine until they realize their feelings for each other haven't disappeared completely.
They encounter many challenges together, from toxic parents to family problems, but they always rely on one another and do their best to communicate what they feel.
Let's take a moment to admire this cover. I’m obsessed with it.
*thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
January 6, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was very excited when a possible review opportunity opened up. And I ended up really enjoying this one as well! While there were tons of hilarious, laugh out loud moments, there were a lot of emotional, tears in my eyes moments too. One of the first hilarious bits had to do with a menstrual cup mishap in the work bathroom. But the solution to the situation just made me totally fall in love with Tanner. But then towards the end, when she was having more problems with her mother and Tanner was trying to help, well the way she handled that had me in tears, so upset both for Tanner, and even a little for her, despite how irritated her behavior made me.
I also loved how Tanner and Lucy talked about buying the bookstore and keeping it open. I mean opening a bookstore is my current pie in the sky dream. I loved how nerdy both of them were really. When Tanner said he missed her at one point and he loved her more than Lord of the Rings when she said he was interrupting the movie, I might have swooned a bit.
Finally, I loved Chris Brinkley’s narration as usual. I love how there are moments when his voice makes you feel that he, or the character, must be smiling. The female narrator was a bit much at first, I was afraid I had sped up the narration somehow because she talked so fast. But by the end I really enjoyed her voice as Lucy’s character.
There were a few family issues and happenings in this book that I hope to get more details with in future stories!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
I also loved how Tanner and Lucy talked about buying the bookstore and keeping it open. I mean opening a bookstore is my current pie in the sky dream. I loved how nerdy both of them were really. When Tanner said he missed her at one point and he loved her more than Lord of the Rings when she said he was interrupting the movie, I might have swooned a bit.
Finally, I loved Chris Brinkley’s narration as usual. I love how there are moments when his voice makes you feel that he, or the character, must be smiling. The female narrator was a bit much at first, I was afraid I had sped up the narration somehow because she talked so fast. But by the end I really enjoyed her voice as Lucy’s character.
There were a few family issues and happenings in this book that I hope to get more details with in future stories!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
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